DRF's Horse Racing Playbook for Thursday, November 5, 2026

Daily Racing Form has served as the most trusted source of news and information about the sport since 1894, and moving forward we have decided to provide a free daily playbook – something that both hardcore horseplayers and casual observers can reference to get informed of each day’s action.

12:40 BEL 1st CARA'S CHROME (#5, 8-1) has never been close at the finish of her prior starts, but she's one of a few in here getting class relief; got shuffled out of early position in both prior dirt starts, but was staying on well to pick up pieces in that Oct. 2 race; while she clearly hated synthetic last time, she did at least display vastly improved early speed with the addition of blinkers; expect her to be more engaged early once again, and 7F on dirt seems perfect. - David Aragona | Get Past Performances for this race

1:00 CD 1st Run a short horse after a long layoff but use waiver claiming to get a race into her before dropping down in class and winning second time back: Know BUCKEYE FAVORITE (#4, 15-1) has it in her − or had it − based on first two starts, races superior to anything anyone else in this race has produced. - Marcus Hersh | Get Past Performances for this race

1:29 CD 2nd A $1K sales purchase debuting for $50K? You love to see it! Neither of the two workout videos up for bargain-rack buy SLEEPER (#8, 6-1) is the 59-second bullet 5f Oct. 16, but I liked the way he breezed (taking into account the class level) in both of them, though his partner in the Oct. 24 gate drill might not be much horse. - Marcus Hersh | Get Past Performances for this race

2:41 BEL 5th There are a few intriguing first time turfers in here, and the one that I want most is IRON CONFESSOR (#5, 8-1); this colt doesn't have an abundance of turf pedigree on his dam's side, but Basin is a 16 percent turf sire; thought this guy looked like he had some turf action to him at his OBS work in March; has simply faced tougher in his prior dirt starts and gets some class relief as he transitions to what may be his preferred surface. - David Aragona | Get Past Performances for this race

3:43 BEL 7th LATE CALL (#3, 8-1) lost the battle with main rival ICE CHOCOLAT last time, but he did all the dirty work trying to soften up that favorite on the front end; it nearly worked, but he was just unable to forge past in the lane; this time Late Call drew a better post than his main rival and seems better suited to this 9F distance; he's in good form right now, and Luis Rivera should be aggressive to take advantage of the tactical speed than he displayed last time. - David Aragona | Get Past Performances for this race

3:55 CD 7th There's always the chance the connections are prepping for start number three off the bench but much more likely that the horse for whatever reason underperformed in their comeback race, is capable of much better, and is still valued by connections, which I'd guess is the case with WILD RECRUIT (#8, 5-1). Away a year when he contested the pace and faded last out, and is capable of much better. - Marcus Hersh | Get Past Performances for this race

4:08 WO 3rd MY TURN NOW (#4, 30-1) is descending from OS/$40K maiden company to $25K for her first non-Tapeta start and could improve. The daughter of 12% turf sprint sire Frac Daddy is out of a stakes-placed grass/synth runner who has been a poor producer. - Ron Gierkink | Get Past Performances for this race

4:55 CD 9th Didn't fancy DON'S WINNER (#11, 6-1) in his Sept. 27 win because I didn't think he would get 1 1/8 miles - and while he did, that thought comes into play as he's cut back to a one-turn mile. Mr. Tapps, third behind Don last out, won well at KEE, and think that was a legit maiden race. Three October works, good draw, and feels like he's set up for another career best. - Marcus Hersh | Get Past Performances for this race

6:04 WO 7th TEMPLE HALL (#3, 9-2) wired $15K non-two opponents with determination two back and lost a heartbreaker most recently vs. $15K conditioned claimers. The diminutive dark bay is the clear speed here and has a good shot to make all the running under regular rider David Moran. - Ron Gierkink | Get Past Performances for this race

6:33 WO 8th DANCE WITH ME BABY (#1, 6-1) ran four-wide most of the way when a fading fifth at first asking vs. $15K maidens. Tharrenos is much better second-time out than on debut, and this Ky-bred is halving in value while picking up the capable bug Douglas. - Ron Gierkink | Get Past Performances for this race

8:26 RP 3rd SANDS OF TIME (#4, 3-1) was no match for two big runners here Oct. 8 but not only did he catch tough foes he was racing for twice this tag and routing. He drops and is back sprinting, both of which help. - Michael Hammersly | Get Past Performances for this race

9:22 RP 5th CALIBRATE (#5, 3-1) is a terrific old pro and his last two here show he handles this course well and is in good form. He also benefits that his main rival is stuck way outside. - Michael Hammersly | Get Past Performances for this race